For weight loss, which energy balance condition applies?

For weight loss, which energy balance condition applies?

• A. Energy in > energy out
• B. Energy in < energy out
• C. Energy in = energy out
• D. Energy out = energy in

Answer: (B)

Weight loss happens when your energy expenditure exceeds your energy intake. In other words, you create a negative energy balance: you burn more calories than you consume, and your body uses stored energy to make up the difference, often tapping into fat stores. So, the condition that leads to weight loss is energy in being less than energy out. If energy intake were greater than energy expenditure, you'd gain weight; if intake and expenditure were equal, your weight would stay the same.

Weight loss happens when your energy expenditure exceeds your energy intake. In other words, you create a negative energy balance: you burn more calories than you consume, and your body uses stored energy to make up the difference, often tapping into fat stores.

So, the condition that leads to weight loss is energy in being less than energy out. If energy intake were greater than energy expenditure, you'd gain weight; if intake and expenditure were equal, your weight would stay the same.